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Williams hints at Jenson Button interest for 2017

Gasperotti/Sutton Images

Claire Williams has hinted that Jenson Button is one of the drivers the team is considering for a drive in 2017.

Button's future is set to come under scrutiny this year, as it did in 2014 and 2015, as McLaren's line-up is uncertain beyond this season. Though Fernando Alonso is contracted until 2017 Button's deal expires at the end of this year and the team has the highly-rated Stoffel Vandoorne waiting in the wings.

There is speculation of a return to Williams, where he started his career in 2000, and deputy team boss Williams refused to confirm or deny the suggestion in Baku.

"Button back at Williams' is a great headline," she told Sky Sports. "He started his career here, he's a world champion and extremely intelligent when it comes to building a team around him and helping the engineering side develop the car.

"Of course he is going to be an attractive proposition if he is available. But we are talking to a lot of drivers in the paddock at the moment -- and he may or may not be on the list."

Despite admitting talking to other drivers about 2017, Williams insisted she is happy with current drivers Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa and that both are part of those discussions.

"We are talking to them [Valtteri and Felipe] and we are having other conversations with other drivers in the paddock to see what other opportunities there are. But that's not to say we aren't happy with the job Valtteri and Felipe are doing. We have a great line-up, but no decision has been made. We just have to work through the conversations."